Event Summary
On 27 February 2026, a senior female journalist was assaulted by officers of the Papua New Guinea Correctional Service outside its headquarters in Port Moresby, following a media briefing. She had reported on the Prime Minister’s directive for an independent investigation into alleged human rights abuses at Bomana Remand Facility.
As she exited the premises, five officers confronted her over her reporting and a leaked video linked to inmate beatings. During the exchange, one officer punched her on the ear while another attempted to slap her. She later filed a formal complaint with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, which has confirmed that investigations are underway.
The assault has drawn widespread condemnation across sectors. The Media Council of Papua New Guinea described the incident as a direct attack on press freedom and called for an independent and transparent investigation. The Police Minister also denounced the attack, emphasizing that members of disciplined forces must uphold the rule of law and respect media freedom, and that grievances over reporting should be addressed through lawful channels rather than violence.
The incident is not entirely isolated but reflects broader and ongoing challenges to press freedom in Papua New Guinea, where journalists continue to face harassment, intimidation, and physical threats while covering sensitive court cases and political events.